University of the Highlands and Islands

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is a network of 13 colleges and research centres, spread across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Being the only university based in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, UHIs executive office is based in Inverness, the northernmost city in the United Kingdom.

 

Background and History

While it poses as Scotland's newest university, many of its 13 colleges and research institutions have very extended histories, the earliest having been founded in the 19th Century. UHI became a Higher Education Institution in 2001 before gaining taught degree awarding powers in 2008. In February 2011, UHI became the University of the Highlands and Islands after gaining full university status.

Location and Accessibility

The university of the Highlands and Islands is spread out across the Highlands. The comprising UHI colleges are: Argyll College, Highland Theological College, Inverness College, Lews Castle College, Moray College, MAFC Marine Centre College, North Highland College, Orkney College, Perth College, Sabhal Mor College, SAMS College, Shetland College, West Highland College.

What's on Offer

UHI has a number of undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes which are studied across a range of locations in the region. Foundation: HND, HNC, CertHE, PDA Undergraduate: BA, BSc, BEng Postgraduate: MA, MSc, PGDip, PGDE, MLitt, MTh, PGCert

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are set at a level that allows anyone who is interested in further study to do so. Therefore typical offers usually require the attainment of: 1 A level Grade D or above, or 1 Scottish Higher Grade C or above

University Accommodation

The following UHI colleges have dedicated student residences: NAFC Marine Centre, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Sabhal Mor College, Lews Castle College and Perth College.  

Private Accommodation

For those colleges who do not have their own student accommodation, you will be provided with assistance in looking for lodging, which may include the following types: host family and self-catering apartments.

Faculties and Departments

The University of the Highlands and Islands has two major faculties which contain the smaller departments, in which individual courses can be found. The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and the Faculty of Science, Health and Engineering, Visit the website to see the full range of courses on offer.  

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on whether you are a Scottish, UK or international student. For a full list of fees for undergraduate and postgraduate students it is advisable to contact the University directly, or visit their website for more information.

Academic Facilities

UHI colleges possess state-of-the-art computing and library resources. Video conferencing is often used to communicate between campuses.  

Social and Medical Care

The UHI has good links between institutions to make for a collective feel among its students.  

What's on in the Area

The Scottish Highlands has so much to offer. It is unique in the UK with its spectacular mountains, waterfalls, tumbling rivers and picturesque lochs. All of this is entwined among crystal-clear seas scattered with islands. Although the scenery is breath-taking, there is more to the highlands than solitude. Whether you are looking for adventure or a taste of the local culture and history when you aren't studying, the Highlands of Scotland is perfect.

There are currently over 8,000 students studying on undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 60% of their students are over 25 years old. Many academics are undertaking groundbreaking research with UHI. You can study in locations as diverse as: Inverness, Perth, Elgin, the Isle of Skye, Fort William, Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles.

Is UHI the place for me?

Many of the available courses can be studied flexibly on a part-time basis. This is a very good feature which may appeal to people living in the region, as a large proportion of students study from home. If you are not from the region but are interested, this is definitely somewhere to go if you enjoy being out in the open, away from urban civilization.